Tahoe-Pyramid Trail: Sparks Section

This section of the Tahoe-Pyramid Trail is probably the busiest section, as it begins in Downtown Reno and heads through the city of Sparks before ending at the eastern edge of the Reno metro area.Making up 7.75 miles of the 114 route from Lake Tahoe to Pyramid Lake, the East Reno/Sparks section of the trail is a fully paved multi-use path that is popular amongst area runners, walkers, pet owners and bicyclists. This means that those looking for a wild and desolate hike won't find that here. Instead, the trail leaves the core of downtown and manuvers past a couple buildings before entering the paved multi use trail at the base of the iconic Reno Arch (or at least one of the older arches still standing just out of the spotlight downtown). From here, the path traces the Truckee River as it flows gradually downhill, passing landmarks such as the city's baseball stadium and dump before finally reaching quieter areas nearer the eastern outskirts of town.The trail passes several developed parks, each of which include picnic benches, restrooms, water, and sometimes an outdoor exercise course. The largest of these parks, Rock Park, is located just over three miles from the starting point. Here, walkers can often watch kayakers manuver the manmade whitewater course in the middle of the river, or see fishmermen wading into the waters.Beyond Rock Park, the trail sees significantly fewer people, and the open paths across pretty steady terrain allow the mind to wander or take in views of the eastern mountains as they pop into and out of view through the cottonwoods lining the Truckee.The trail ends in a slightly underdramatic fashion, when it reaches the railroad tracks and interstate just before they head into a narrow section of canyon. From here, walkers can turn around and retrace their route.Hikers should be aware that there are recurring homeless encampments along the Reno portion of this trail. While we have not encountered any issues, awareness should be exercised. Also, more than one trail user has warned us about the presence of skunks at different portions of the trail after dark.Currently the Tahoe-Pyramid Trail does not continue past the end point of the trail, however there are plans to extend and complete this route as a through trail in the future. Most recent updates can be found at the Tahoe-Pyramid Trail website.